The Security Emergency Board of Masaryk University decided on Thursday, 12 September, to carry out preventive evacuation of the dormitories at Sladkého and Bří. Žůrků in Komárov, where some students had already moved in. According to original estimates Brno was to expect 100-year flood and the situation on the Svitava River in the Komárov area was expected to include the flooding of the dormitories and power and water outages. For the same reasons and out of security concerns MU decided that the move-in day at all remaining dormitories be delayed.
On the next day all 481 students already staying in Komárov were moved to other dormitories were the risk of flooding was not present. ACS proceeded to sand-bag the building and move equipment from the ground floor. The management of ACS continued to monitor the situation throughout the weekend as the situation was expected to escalate. As the Svitava River remained on its natural course and the rainfall was not as serious the original estimates did not become a reality.
Once the flood risks have passed the management of ACS started to investigate and repair, where possible, the damages caused by high winds and rain. “The extreme rainfall caused leaks in rooms at Vinařská where the roof has recently been repaired once after the spring hailstorm. Unfortunately the rainwater found its way and students from thirteen rooms had to be moved. We must wait for the walls to dry before we can repair the plaster and paint layers. We also had leaks in two rooms at Klácelova, along with some damage to the roof itself. The repairs are estimated to take two weeks,” Head of Accommodation at ACS Renata Pavlicová said.
The Security Emergency Board of Masaryk University evaluated the condition of the dormitories in Komárov on 17 September. Both buildings were officially inspected for the proper operation of electricity and water supply, and minor repairs were carried out as well. This allowed for the evacuated students to move back on 20 September, along with the residents of all dormitories. The arrival and moving procedures were coordinated via e-mails.
Increased capacity and higher chances for first-year students – that is the improved reality for students in this academic year. Even more beds will become available once the major renovations of the Kounicova dormitory are finished before the start of the next academic year, and new student housing projects are scheduled at the Vinařská complex or in the Bohunice campus.
Preferential treatment in applying for dormitories or advance information on the operation of the dormitories and canteens; those are just two of the benefits of membership in dormitory councils. The Accommodation and Catering Services will announce new elections within days of the start of the new academic year.